I actually really enjoyed doing the blog posts this semester. I had never really done a blog post before this class, so it was all very new to me! In high school, I had always looked at some of the CNN pages just to keep up with the current events going on in the world. Which is probably what I enjoyed most about doing the blogs. It kept me notified on what is going on! Especially since almost every blog, I wrote about some sort of current event or news story. I, personally, love that this course requires us to do the blogs! It not only, keeps us up to date with different news stories., it also makes us keep up with the course itself. Which can also be a lot of people's downfall. I know that it hurt me some. For instance, if you don't remind yourself that you have an online course, you'll forget about it. The weekly post helped with that. There were a few weeks, I procrastinated and then there were the weeks that I just forgot. That is the only thing that I would have done differently. I believe I would have been more organized and consistent with my work, if I were to take the class again. After this, I highly doubt I will continue to blog but I do plan to keep looking at the CNN web sites and others, just to have an idea of where the world is at with politics, natural disasters, etc.
As for the blogs making a difference for my writing, possibly. It definately couldn't have hurt it much. Anytime people are able to write, it improves their knowledge or writing itself. No, I don't think that the blogs made me a perfect writer but it might have improved my skills a bit. All in all, I absolutely loved this course & the way it was organized. I believe it is the best approach for an online english course!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Coach fired
This week, when I went to CNN I found a couple interesting topics. One of them being about teachers getting fired, because of what seemed to be ridiculous reasons.
The story was about a Coach that got fired because of his track team was running without their shirts on. I would think that this wouldn't be a big deal because if anyone had a problem with it, they could just say something and then the team would wear shirts. I don't see why a coach would get fired from this? So, of course, I continued to read. The coach's name is Tom Davis. He stated: "It was really dramatic fashion. They escorted me off the premises as if I was a threat to the kids, which is amazing given the (athletic director's) background." The coach claimed that he stepped in after Karl Fogel, athletic director, got into a heated discussion with one of the runners. The discussion was about him having his shirt off while in practice. This whole incident began about two weeks prior when someone complained to the school about the boys track team running without any shirts on. The school department supposedly made it very clear they didn;t like that, stating that someone may get kicked off the team. Yet, there was no official rule set.
Davis then stated: "it was such a messed up situation, there was never a rule enforced. The first instance that there was a rule, it was confrontational. That's unacceptable."
The school said that "Friday's decision to relieve Mr. Davis of his duties was not the result of a single incident, but rather the regrettable outcome of an ongoing discussion." Without further detail of what that "ongoing discussion" may have been about.
Davis then claism that the athletic director was the one with the problem. Stating: "He comes at me, bumps me chest to chest, spit coming in my face..." There happens to be history with heated discussions with Fogel, the athletic director, says Dick Sullivan, a former coach. Sullivan stated: "Its not the first time or the second time or the third time. I wonder what the school administration is thinking by supporting the athletic direcor."
Alright, well there is an obvious problem. Everything is "he said, she said" There is no proof. I understand the Coach being shocked, because there was never an inforced rule. I don't understand why they can't be adults about it and have the runners wear shirts. One complaint, and there should be enough respect to acknowledge other's opinions and thoughts. If parents or teachers or the school, is uncomfortable with the fact that the runners are running without shirts, then someone needs to respect that, and make the runners wear the shirts. That's the only place I see where Coach Davis went wrong. Either way, what's the big deal about not wearing a shirt vs. wearing a shirt? I say, just get it taken care of. No reason for the "he said, she said" nonsense.
The story was about a Coach that got fired because of his track team was running without their shirts on. I would think that this wouldn't be a big deal because if anyone had a problem with it, they could just say something and then the team would wear shirts. I don't see why a coach would get fired from this? So, of course, I continued to read. The coach's name is Tom Davis. He stated: "It was really dramatic fashion. They escorted me off the premises as if I was a threat to the kids, which is amazing given the (athletic director's) background." The coach claimed that he stepped in after Karl Fogel, athletic director, got into a heated discussion with one of the runners. The discussion was about him having his shirt off while in practice. This whole incident began about two weeks prior when someone complained to the school about the boys track team running without any shirts on. The school department supposedly made it very clear they didn;t like that, stating that someone may get kicked off the team. Yet, there was no official rule set.
Davis then stated: "it was such a messed up situation, there was never a rule enforced. The first instance that there was a rule, it was confrontational. That's unacceptable."
The school said that "Friday's decision to relieve Mr. Davis of his duties was not the result of a single incident, but rather the regrettable outcome of an ongoing discussion." Without further detail of what that "ongoing discussion" may have been about.
Davis then claism that the athletic director was the one with the problem. Stating: "He comes at me, bumps me chest to chest, spit coming in my face..." There happens to be history with heated discussions with Fogel, the athletic director, says Dick Sullivan, a former coach. Sullivan stated: "Its not the first time or the second time or the third time. I wonder what the school administration is thinking by supporting the athletic direcor."
Alright, well there is an obvious problem. Everything is "he said, she said" There is no proof. I understand the Coach being shocked, because there was never an inforced rule. I don't understand why they can't be adults about it and have the runners wear shirts. One complaint, and there should be enough respect to acknowledge other's opinions and thoughts. If parents or teachers or the school, is uncomfortable with the fact that the runners are running without shirts, then someone needs to respect that, and make the runners wear the shirts. That's the only place I see where Coach Davis went wrong. Either way, what's the big deal about not wearing a shirt vs. wearing a shirt? I say, just get it taken care of. No reason for the "he said, she said" nonsense.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Why me?
So this week was probably the most stressful one yet. As all of you know, finals is on the horizon and the head full of knowledge i thougt would be filled by now, isnt. Anotomy will be the death of me if my math class isnt lol So so so much math and science right now letters and numbers are starting to look the same. These 8 o' clock classes are starting to take a toll on my body and sleep. My sleeping patterns are all messed up now. The other night I woke up at with an immense amount of energy ready to shoot out of bed and get ready for the day, I looked up over at the time and it was 3 in the morning. I know im not the only one with these petty problems , im sure this is normal for a 19 year old college student so Im not asking for a pity party or anything. lol So, I hope you dont think that was the climax of this crappy week because it gets worse. Well, my weekend was great, especially on Easter, getting to enjoy Easter brunch with my wonderful boyfriends family at Cracker Barrel. After that my boyfriend and I got to enjoy the afternoon together relaxing at my house. Everything was going great, we watched a couple T.V shows and caught the ice cream truck right before he passed our hous. Aww the memories of being young again. Of course, i got the Hello Kitty popsicle and my boyfriend insisted on the Spiderman edition. Anyways, heres the kicker. My sister decided to grab us some hot food so she borrowed my boyfriends beautiful Nissan 350 Z just to take 2 blocs away.Now if you only knew my sister! She is the responsible "mom-like" one out of the group! She was scared to even borrow the car, but went a head anyway! Michael and I stayed home. She was't gone but two minutes, max. My phone started ringing, i answered it was her balling her eyes out..screaming she wrecked his car. Me and michael rushed to the scene, sweatpants and all, and sure enough she had collided with a car and wrecked the whole front end. She felt so bad as did I about the whole situtation. Everyone was okay. Except for Michael, bless his heart:( we are still dealing with the insurance ordeal. SOOOO lesson learned..DON'T LET ANYONE DRIVE YOUR CAR!
Bug problem
This week, I went to CNN and looked around for awhile. Most of the stories were discussing the wedding! I figured someone would have already wrote about it so I continued to look for a different topic. There were several stories that seemed interesting to read about. One being a story coming from Florida. There have been several schools that have been infested with roaches. This title of course caught my eye right away! Students at Rock Springs Elementary School are no longer allowed in their cafeteria after the infestation of roaches forced the cafeteria to close down. The school officials said that the cafeteria will not be able to be opened back up until Monday at the earliest. Rock Springs is not the only school being affected by this! At least twenty one more schools in Florida are dealing with this bug issue.
This is not only disgusting but to add on to this, Rock Springs School just passed a health inspection! After all of this though, they decided to "take another look." Well what a brilliant idea! Local 6 is the one that prompted this idea. Local 6 Reporter, Mike Holfield, met with the School district's chief operating officer, Mike Eugene, wednesday night to discuss the bug problem. He stated that the district had launched a school-by-school inspection. Out of the 188 schools that were inspected, twenty two of them were found to be infested with an "unacceptable" amount of roaches.
Thursday night Holfield was on Local 6 at 11. He was going to be at one of the schools discussing the roach issue. Along with that he was going to put out a list of all the schools that have been effected by the roaches. This interview also had an exclusive video of one of the infestation at the school. There was a phone message sent out to all of the parents of the students attending Rock Springs Elementary.
It stated: "I'm calling to let you know that OCPS maintenance inspectors were at our school yesterday and found evidence of bugs in our cafeteria and our kitchen. We wanted to take care of the problem right away, so we changed our food service routine today. Maintenance staff is aggressively stepping up their pest-control management, and our custodians and food service staff are thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces, floors and equipment. Until we are sure that the bugs are under control, we will continue to serve meals under our temporary set-up and keep students away from the affected areas,"
That message was pretty well put. But can you imagine how many angry parents there are going to be? I mean, no none of this was planned but to just say oh hey we have some bugs let's close down the cafeteria? I just feel like there could have been something done before it got to this point, no? I wouldn't be one of the parents to complain but I definitely would raise my concern a little as to where my child is going to school. Although, I am glad to see something is being done about this issue. I hope they don't stop the school-by-school
Inspections! After as bad as it has gotten for these twenty two schools, I hope they continue to inspect until all schools have had an inspection. :)
This is not only disgusting but to add on to this, Rock Springs School just passed a health inspection! After all of this though, they decided to "take another look." Well what a brilliant idea! Local 6 is the one that prompted this idea. Local 6 Reporter, Mike Holfield, met with the School district's chief operating officer, Mike Eugene, wednesday night to discuss the bug problem. He stated that the district had launched a school-by-school inspection. Out of the 188 schools that were inspected, twenty two of them were found to be infested with an "unacceptable" amount of roaches.
Thursday night Holfield was on Local 6 at 11. He was going to be at one of the schools discussing the roach issue. Along with that he was going to put out a list of all the schools that have been effected by the roaches. This interview also had an exclusive video of one of the infestation at the school. There was a phone message sent out to all of the parents of the students attending Rock Springs Elementary.
It stated: "I'm calling to let you know that OCPS maintenance inspectors were at our school yesterday and found evidence of bugs in our cafeteria and our kitchen. We wanted to take care of the problem right away, so we changed our food service routine today. Maintenance staff is aggressively stepping up their pest-control management, and our custodians and food service staff are thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces, floors and equipment. Until we are sure that the bugs are under control, we will continue to serve meals under our temporary set-up and keep students away from the affected areas,"
That message was pretty well put. But can you imagine how many angry parents there are going to be? I mean, no none of this was planned but to just say oh hey we have some bugs let's close down the cafeteria? I just feel like there could have been something done before it got to this point, no? I wouldn't be one of the parents to complain but I definitely would raise my concern a little as to where my child is going to school. Although, I am glad to see something is being done about this issue. I hope they don't stop the school-by-school
Inspections! After as bad as it has gotten for these twenty two schools, I hope they continue to inspect until all schools have had an inspection. :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
mass graves
Once again this week, I looked up CNN to find a topic. It was harder to find a good one. There were several about Libya! Not that those are good topics but there are so many different stories that all interconnect in some way. What is happening over there is crazy! I do hope that it all works out!
The story I chose to talk about this week is reported around the north central state of Durango in Mexico. They are doing some investigation in what they are calling a "mass grave." At this point there have been twenty-six bodies found. Mass grave is definately an appropriate word here! According to the Durango State's Attorney Office the bodies were found in the residential area in the Capital City. Bodies were found late Wednesday. Officials say that the bodies were already badly decomposed. Because the bodies were so badly decomposed the identity of the victims have yet to be deteremined. The "residental area" that I said before, was an lot belonging to an auto shop located in the resedential area called "Las Fuentas."
According to the local news reports, four other bodies were found on April 11. With that being said, the Durango authorities did not immediately confirm that information. Crime scene pictures were taken, in the pictures after the removal of the bodies, they showed "shallow mass graves" along a brick wall. This area had already been cordoned by authorities.
Along with this dicovery authorities in Tamaulipas, a Mexican state that borders Texas, reported that they have found a total of 116 bodies in several mass graves. Fifty-nine of those bodies were found in eight different mass graves in the town of San Fernando, Mexico on April 6th. As the investigation continued authorities have found several mass graves, most containing several dozen bodies. In San Fernado, sixteen officers were arrested for allegedly protecting those who are responsible for the mass graves. This is according to the Mexican attorney general's office. An alleged drug "kingpin" was caught last Saturday in connection with the mass graves. Reports say that the drug cartel has operated for years in the San Fernado area.
The investigation began in Tamualipas after several reports of people were being forced off of buses and taken away from "heavily armed men."
I think this is crazy! How can people not know about this already? The bodies are so badly decomposed that we can't identify them? Is this some kind of hidden crime that's been happening for awhile & authorities are involved? Who knows. At least, they are starting to find bodies & people with connections. One can only hope the investigation goes farther and doesn't stop until justice is served.
The story I chose to talk about this week is reported around the north central state of Durango in Mexico. They are doing some investigation in what they are calling a "mass grave." At this point there have been twenty-six bodies found. Mass grave is definately an appropriate word here! According to the Durango State's Attorney Office the bodies were found in the residential area in the Capital City. Bodies were found late Wednesday. Officials say that the bodies were already badly decomposed. Because the bodies were so badly decomposed the identity of the victims have yet to be deteremined. The "residental area" that I said before, was an lot belonging to an auto shop located in the resedential area called "Las Fuentas."
According to the local news reports, four other bodies were found on April 11. With that being said, the Durango authorities did not immediately confirm that information. Crime scene pictures were taken, in the pictures after the removal of the bodies, they showed "shallow mass graves" along a brick wall. This area had already been cordoned by authorities.
Along with this dicovery authorities in Tamaulipas, a Mexican state that borders Texas, reported that they have found a total of 116 bodies in several mass graves. Fifty-nine of those bodies were found in eight different mass graves in the town of San Fernando, Mexico on April 6th. As the investigation continued authorities have found several mass graves, most containing several dozen bodies. In San Fernado, sixteen officers were arrested for allegedly protecting those who are responsible for the mass graves. This is according to the Mexican attorney general's office. An alleged drug "kingpin" was caught last Saturday in connection with the mass graves. Reports say that the drug cartel has operated for years in the San Fernado area.
The investigation began in Tamualipas after several reports of people were being forced off of buses and taken away from "heavily armed men."
I think this is crazy! How can people not know about this already? The bodies are so badly decomposed that we can't identify them? Is this some kind of hidden crime that's been happening for awhile & authorities are involved? Who knows. At least, they are starting to find bodies & people with connections. One can only hope the investigation goes farther and doesn't stop until justice is served.
Friday, April 15, 2011
my week
This is going to be a rant on my past week. It won't be thrilling or anything so if you'd like to stop reading now you can! My week has been a bit of a mess! It was full of work and school! Nothing too exciting happened though. Last weekend my parents and I went up to Stockton Lake to get our boat ready! We spend a lot of our weekends in the summer at the lake! I absolutely looooove going to the lake! tubing, skiing, etc. I actually really enjoying fishing! I've grown up around it forever! Nothing's better than going father daughter fishing!!...and out-fishing him of course! Aside from getting the boat ready, while we were up there we saw my grandparents! Monday, I had school and work. Tuesday was school also & I mowed our lawn! This was the first time I actually mowed with a push mower! I was definately proud of myself! Wednesday I also had school and work..are you starting to see a pattern? I work at a tanning salon, so since prom is here, we are CRAZY busy! Today I had an 8oclock Anatomy test. Which sucked. And then I had to go into work right after school & I'm just getting off! Let's just say I am a very tired girl. I work this weekend and Sunday I'm going to the lake to do some fishing! That is something I'm really looking forward to! Along with that, summer is coming so fast! I am definately needing a break from school. I don't know if anyone else feels this way but I think since we had the snow days AND springbreak it just keeps me wanting more breaks like that. lol I will be so happy when summer is here!! I hope to go spend a week or so in Florida with some friends! Maybe a trip Texas! Regardless, it needs to be an exciting summer!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
mother & three children killed; one survivor.
This week, I checked out the CNN website once again. Looked at several stories and found one that was most interesting. It was also listed as one of the most viewed and popular top stories. The story was about a mother and three children were dead after she drove her van into river. Police report that a ten year old boy escaped out of the window of his mothers sinking van after she drove it into the Hudson River. The ten year old boy, Lashaum Armstrong, swam to shore Tuesday evening and was picked up by a passer-by. He was then brought to a nearby fire station in Newburgh, New York. Just sixty miles north of New York City. By the time Lashaum got to the fire station he was soaking wet and suffering from a mild case of hypothermia. He then told authorities about his mother driving into the river & his other siblings still in the car.
They sent police divers out to find the rest of Lashaum's family. After diving, the found twenty-five year old Lashanda Armstrong, an eleven month year old, a two year old boy, and a five year old girl. The remains were found just about twenty-five yards off shore.
According to the Newburgh Police Chief, after investigation it looks as though the mother drove the van into the river intentionally. Responders used dive teams and helicopter. After an hour of searching, they found the van submerged under eight feet of murky water.
Before the incident, a relative called the police about a "domestic disturbance." Police say that this may have involved Armstrong's husband, Jean Pierre. The police phone call just stated that they heard "tussling in the backyard" along with that, a history of domestic problems.
An autopsy for all the bodies is scheduled for Wednesday. When neighbors were asked, they stated that they never imagined Lashanda doing this to her babies. Also, stating that they were in shock that this had happened. One neighbor also described Lashaum, the ten year old boy, as responsible. And, always looking out for his younger siblings.
This is a very sad story. Although, it caught my eye, i hate to read about these stories in the news. Not only were three innocent children killed, but Lashaum will forever be affected by this incident. Who knows what was going through the mother's head. I do believe she drove into the river on purpose, but what caused her to do, I'm not sure. A domestic disbute makes the most sense but for now, more investigation needs to occur. Hopefully the young boy who did survive can go to a safer place, and be taken care of. I believe the husband needs to be question & anyone else that may have had an impact on the situation.
They sent police divers out to find the rest of Lashaum's family. After diving, the found twenty-five year old Lashanda Armstrong, an eleven month year old, a two year old boy, and a five year old girl. The remains were found just about twenty-five yards off shore.
According to the Newburgh Police Chief, after investigation it looks as though the mother drove the van into the river intentionally. Responders used dive teams and helicopter. After an hour of searching, they found the van submerged under eight feet of murky water.
Before the incident, a relative called the police about a "domestic disturbance." Police say that this may have involved Armstrong's husband, Jean Pierre. The police phone call just stated that they heard "tussling in the backyard" along with that, a history of domestic problems.
An autopsy for all the bodies is scheduled for Wednesday. When neighbors were asked, they stated that they never imagined Lashanda doing this to her babies. Also, stating that they were in shock that this had happened. One neighbor also described Lashaum, the ten year old boy, as responsible. And, always looking out for his younger siblings.
This is a very sad story. Although, it caught my eye, i hate to read about these stories in the news. Not only were three innocent children killed, but Lashaum will forever be affected by this incident. Who knows what was going through the mother's head. I do believe she drove into the river on purpose, but what caused her to do, I'm not sure. A domestic disbute makes the most sense but for now, more investigation needs to occur. Hopefully the young boy who did survive can go to a safer place, and be taken care of. I believe the husband needs to be question & anyone else that may have had an impact on the situation.
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